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[Guest guest]

Name: Charlene

Age range:51

Male/female:Female

What are the symptoms? joint pain and/or stiffness, IBS, blurred

vision, dry eyes (can't wear contact lenses), increased muscle pain

after light exercising, occasional dizziness, poor short term memory,

occasional sinus problems, sun sensitivity, and sleep problems.

Has your illness been diagnosed? No.

How long did you suffer before you got help? Will make appointment with

my internist and will discuss. I have been suffering for over a year

now.

Is there a time that you can remember when it started? Last year and I

did mention it to doctor's assistant. She prescribed Vioxx. It did not

help. I just thought the pain would eventually subside, but it has not.

Some of us have found lack of exercise we are overweight. Have you found

this to be a problem also? Yes, if I exercise I feel worse. I do try

and walk.

Are you on disability? No.

If you are any pointers for others trying to get on disability? No.

What have you found that helps ease the pain, warm baths, medications

etc.?

I just rest or sleep.

Do you have sleep problems? How do you deal with it? As of late, I have

been having sleep problems -- waking up too early in the morning and

feeling lethargic.

Do you have family that understands your illness? Have not discussed

with members of my family.

Some have found certain foods causes problems with CFS or Fibro, have

you?

Yes, but did not associate that with Fibro. Of course as you grow older

I cannot eat certain foods such as tomatoes or a lot of greasy foods. I

have also had acid reflux, however, it is under control.

What type of Doctor have you found that has helped you the most? Will

be going to my internist.

I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

Charlene